SMALL CHANGE BIG DIFFERENCE
Want to update the look of your space without a full-on redecorating project? Take inspiration from these simple but effective home ideas
Transform your home the easy (and affordable) way
POP OF COLOUR
Even the smallest of changes can make an impact in a room, so don’t underestimate the power of accessories. Colourful pieces will bring a layer of style and character into any space, so think creatively about the swaps you can make. If you’re updating lampshades, for instance, why stick to classic ivory? A punchy, bolder shade or a bright pattern will feel more contemporary. Use the same colour on cushions, throws and other decorative touches to make the look cohesive.
IN THE FRAME
Whether it’s family photographs or beautiful artwork, creating a gallery wall is one of the most attractive ways to display your favourite prints. To plan your wall, measure up the space you’d like the frames to fill and then mark the same dimensions on the floor using masking tape. Lay out the arrangement in a few different ways before settling on the order you prefer, and then hang the frames accordingly. For a smart look, use the same frames and mounts but in different sizes.
BRUSH UP
While you might not want to redecorate a whole room, painting a part of it will still have an effect – sometimes less is more! Whether you opt for a contrasting shade for maximum impact, or choose a harmonious tone for a lighter touch, paint can be used to define an area, as shown here, or to focus attention on individual elements of the room. Painting just a picture rail or the skirting boards in a different colour from the wall, for example, will refresh the whole room without too much effort.
MAKE A SPLASH
When decorating our kitchens, it’s easy to overlook the most practical pieces. A splashback behind the hob or the sink will protect your walls from spills, stains and excess heat, but that doesn’t mean it has to be plain or simply functional; choose one with pattern and colour to give your space a stylish look. Perfect for a quick makeover, in many cases it’s a simple weekend project to remove and replace existing splashbacks, as most designs have an easy peel, stick and seal fitting process. Try the ranges at splashback.co.uk and Homebase.
ART OF DISPLAY
Shelving will give otherwise unused wall spaces a whole new look. With shelves in the kitchen, you can keep everyday items close to hand so you don’t have to search for them in cupboards, and they can be beautiful, too. Use them to display pretty houseplants and stacks of your favourite ceramics. Individual shelves tend to look better hung in odd numbers and equally spaced. For smart, contemporary styles, try the ranges at String, while Etsy has a variety of more decorative designs.
SLUMBER STYLE
Inspired by boutique hotels, headboards now go well beyond the traditional shapes many of us have in our bedrooms. If you’re in the market to upgrade, consider specialist retailers such as The Headboard Workshop or The Dormy House, which have designs in unique shapes and sizes. Alternatively, cover your existing headboard in a new fabric to give your bedroom a simple update – it’s easy to pin or staple a new fabric on top of the old one. Whether a floral motif or a graphic stripe, bolder fabrics will have the most impact. Eigg headboard, £699 for king size, The Headboard Workshop; covered in Kami velvet in Jade, £73.50 per metre, Linwood. For a similar wallcovering, try Zoffany. For similar accessories, try Sweetpea & Willow
LIGHT AND SHADE
Our eyes are often drawn towards the windows in a room, so it makes sense that changing the blinds or curtains around them is a good way to transform a space. From a practical roller blind to a set of elegant pinch-pleat drapes, window dressings come in many forms – key for all, though, is the fabric you choose. Try the range at Hillarys and the online retailer Blinds2go for a variety of patterns, textiles and weights that can be made to measure. Blinds made up in Bird Hop fabric in Smoke, £59 per metre, Vanessa Arbuthnott. For similar
tiles, try Topps Tiles. For similar accessories, try Maisons du Monde
A NEW HUE
If you’re considering replacing your furniture, why not upcycle it instead? A cost-effective and eco-friendly way to update your space, painting existing pieces will breathe new life into them. Chalk-based paint, as opposed to standard matt emulsion, works best on wooden furniture – it tends to require less preparation of surfaces in advance and achieves a consistently smooth finish. Try the specialist ranges from Annie Sloan and Rust-oleum. For a smart finishing touch, consider replacing the handles and knobs of your drawers and cabinets at the same time.